Photo spot in Pelling
Sanga Choeling Monastery
Pelling, Sikkim
One of Sikkim's oldest monasteries (1697) on a forested ridge above Pelling, reached by a short uphill walk — near the towering Chenrezig statue and the glass skywalk with valley views.
Best time
Early morning, before the cloud settles on the ridge and while the skywalk is empty; late afternoon on clear days for soft light on the statue.
Best angle
Stand at the foot of the prayer-wheel stairway and take an upward photo of the Chenrezig statue, then walk to the end of the skywalk for a wide shot of the valley.
Entry fee
Free (skywalk extra)
Opening hours
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Sanga Choeling Monastery
Early morning, before the cloud settles on the ridge and while the skywalk is empty; late afternoon on clear days for soft light on the statue. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Sanga Choeling Monastery
Stand at the foot of the prayer-wheel stairway and take an upward photo of the Chenrezig statue, then walk to the end of the skywalk for a wide shot of the valley. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the monastery
On the glass skywalk
Outfit guide
What to wear at Sanga Choeling Monastery
For photos at Sanga Choeling Monastery, maroon, saffron and cream work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Pelling.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Sanga Choeling Monastery.
Eat nearby
Food near Sanga Choeling Monastery
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for phagshapa nearby.
Special dishes to try
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Good to know
Local tips
Reach the skywalk at opening time, before the cloud and the queues arrive.
Skip the skywalk on a day of thick cloud, as you will see only white below the glass.
Walk up to the old monastery after the statue, as few visitors make the climb.
Carry water and take the steep path slowly, as the air is thinner at this height.
Turn the prayer wheels on the stairway clockwise, as pilgrims do.
Take your shoes off at the prayer hall door and ask before photographing indoors.
Check before you go in the monsoon, as the skywalk has been reported to close for part of it.
One of Sikkim's oldest monasteries
Sanga Choeling stands on the highest ridge above Pelling. It was founded by Lhatsun Chempo, the same lama behind Pemayangtse, and dates from 1697. Its name means "island of the secret mantra teachings". Fire has damaged it more than once, and the building has been rebuilt, but it still holds old clay statues. It belongs to the Nyingma school, and prayers are held every morning and evening.
The climb
The old approach is a steep path through forest that takes anything from half an hour to an hour, depending on where you start and how fit you are. It is hard work at this height, so go slowly and carry water. Today most visitors drive to the skywalk complex below and walk up from there. From the top the view takes in Pelling, Pemayangtse and, on clear days, the Kanchenjunga range.
The Chenrezig statue and skywalk
Just below the monastery is the complex opened in 2018: a 42-metre statue of Chenrezig, the bodhisattva of compassion, and a glass-floored skywalk at about 2,200 metres. A stairway lined with golden prayer wheels leads to the statue. The skywalk is ticketed and has been reported to close for part of the monsoon. Shoe covers are handed out for the glass.
When to go
Go when the complex opens. By late morning the cloud often settles on this ridge, and then the glass floor shows nothing but white. The queue for the skywalk also grows as the tour cars arrive. The monastery itself is quieter at any hour.
Respect
Both the statue and the monastery are places of worship. Turn the prayer wheels clockwise, dress modestly, and take off your shoes at the prayer hall door. Ask before any photo indoors.
Combine it
Pair it with an early visit to Pemayangtse and the Rabdentse ruins, or with the sunrise from Upper Pelling.
Questions
Sanga Choeling Monastery — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Sanga Choeling Monastery?
Early morning, before the cloud settles on the ridge and while the skywalk is empty; late afternoon on clear days for soft light on the statue. Stand at the foot of the prayer-wheel stairway and take an upward photo of the Chenrezig statue, then walk to the end of the skywalk for a wide shot of the valley.
Is there an entry fee at Sanga Choeling Monastery?
Entry to Sanga Choeling Monastery is free (skywalk extra).
What are the opening hours of Sanga Choeling Monastery?
Sanga Choeling Monastery is open 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
What should I wear at Sanga Choeling Monastery?
Maroon, saffron and cream photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Sanga Choeling Monastery get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: early morning, before the cloud settles on the ridge and while the skywalk is empty; late afternoon on clear days for soft light on the statue.
What food should I try near Sanga Choeling Monastery?
Try phagshapa at spots close by.
How tall is the Chenrezig statue at Pelling?
About 42 metres, or 137 feet. It was opened in 2018 together with the glass skywalk that leads towards it.
Is the glass skywalk safe?
It is a built walkway with railings and is used by visitors every day. If you are nervous of heights, you can reach the statue by the stairway without walking on the glass.
How hard is the walk up to Sanga Choeling?
Steep. From the skywalk area it is a short but tiring climb; the older forest path from Pelling takes longer. Go slowly and rest if you feel breathless.
Is Sanga Choeling older than Pemayangtse?
Yes. Sanga Choeling dates from 1697, while Pemayangtse's main building was enlarged around 1705, so it is often called one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim.